Considering who that guy is, I don't think he's the other man in the sense of a contender for MC or ML's love, but rather a foe.
It's any guy that poses a problem not just a second ml. A guy who is put in the story just to cause conflict after the first act is completed. Strangely I didn't mind the other guy if he's there from the onset.
yeah I agree, I think they just add them in to more the plot forward but it’s sooo overused wish there was a new way to bring about plot without a rival/misunderstanding arc
Move*
This story finally helped me pinpoint a trope I can't stand, and it effects like 90% of the genre so get bent me. But the season ending with the "other guy" showing up just turned my brain light on, "man, I really just wanted to see them navigate their relationship, why's another guy always waiting to pop up after the opening act"? I think it's why I've been disliking so many bls I've been getting recommended. Oh well maybe I'll read season 2, but I'm honestly fine with this being a one season story to me.